Autism expert featured at YSU School Psychology Summer Institute

May 24, 2013 |

Peter Gerhardt

Peter Gerhardt, a leading authority on the treatment and support of adults and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, will be keynote speaker for the Youngstown State University School Psychology Program’s Low Incidence Summer Institute June 14 at Kilcawley Center on the YSU campus.

Gerhardt has more than 30 years experience using applied behavior analysis to work with autistic individuals in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He is chair of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research, serves on the editorial board of Behavior Analysis in Practice and is director of education for the Upper School at The McCarton School in New York. He has authored articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and presents internationally on the topic.

Gerhardt’s keynote address, titled “Bridges to Adulthood: Planning for Lives of Competence and Inclusion,” will include discussion of transitioning, behavior support, sexuality, safety, employment and quality of life.

The Summer Institute is designed for intervention specialists, school psychologists and other service providers who serve adolescents diagnosed with low incidence disabilities. Participants can earn 5.5 continuing education and MCE’s. The institute begins at 8 a.m. with continental breakfast and poster presentations, lunch is included, and the event concludes at 4:30 p.m.

Registration will be accepted through June 12 or until all seats are filled. Payment of $40 for professionals, $20 for students, must accompany the registration form. Visit http://web.ysu.edu/bcoe/schoolpsychology/ and click on the Summer Institute link for more information, or call Richard VanVoorhis, Institute coordinator, 330-941-3266.